Aylin

History

Moussaka is not only known in Greece but is also a common dish in Lebanon and arab contries. It is widely believed that moussaka was introduced by the arabs, when they introduced the eggplant to the world. However, the oldest version of this dish is mentioned in he medival Arabic cookbook "A Baghdad Cookery Book" in the 13th century. In 1910, Nikolas Tselements, a greek influantial chef, published greek recipes including Moussaka with French béchamel sauce on top. His version of moussaka is known and loved by the Greeks today.

Where do the ingredients have their origin?

• Eggplant: originally from india

• potatos: originally form south america 

• tomatoes: western regions of south america, specifically Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador

• onions: have their origins in central asia, from countries that are now parts of Iran and Pakistan

• garlic: believed to come from central asia - Kazahstan, Uzbekistan or Turkmenistan

• salt: from salt mines, salt pans and evaporated sea water comes historically from China, India, Europe and middle East

• pepper: specifically black pepper from piper nigrum plant coms from an indian subcontinent

• eggs: from local cickens

• cinnamon: is originally from south asia

• olive oil: local

Now almost all ingrediants can be planted and found in greece itself, except the spices.

Preperation

At first all the ingredients need to be prepared. The eggplants are sliced into rounds and often salted to get rid of moisture and bitterness. After a short time, they are rinsed and dried. The potatos need to be peeled and sliced into rounds. The ground meet is cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes, herbs like oregano or persley  and spices such as cinnemon. Tomato sauce or paste can also be added into the meet.
The béchamel sauce is prepared separately by making a roux with butter and flour, then adding milk by stiring continuously to prevent lumps. To the sauce, spices like salt, pepper and sometime nutmeg are added and once the sauce thickens, it can be removed from the stove and put aside to cool slightly.

Assembly

The eggplant and potato slices need to be fried or baked until they are cooked and slightly brown. Starting with a layer of eggplant slices which are placed on the bottom of a baking dish, a layer meat sauce follows. Then a layer of potato slices are added on top and another layer of meat sauce. The process is repeated until the dish is copletely filled ending with a layer of eggplants. The prepared béchame souce is poured over the top layer and typically parmesan or hard cheese gets sprinkeld over the sauce.
The moussakan needs to be baked in the oven until the top is golden brown and bubbling. This usually takes 45 minutes to an hour at a moderate temperature.

Serving

Once the meal is baked, it need to rest for a short time allowing the layers to set. The moussaka is often served warm and sliced into portions.

Import and Export

imported countries

Food waste management in greece

A problem in greece

In 2023 a major problem that occured was that the goverment decided to stop providing food and water to people outside of the asylum procedure living in the Movrovouni Closed Controlled Access Centre (C.C.A.C) on the island of Lesvos, which left a lot of people in hunger. Their announcement said that food will only be provided to residents seeking asylum, leaving out d´those who already have refugee status or those who have been denied the refugee status but are unable to return to turkey. Also no exceptions hae been made for at risk people, those with disabilities, older people, pregnent or nursing women. one exception was made for children under 18, regardless of status, were allowed to recieve food and water.